RESOURCE CENTER

It’s easy to feel helpless watching a loved one suffer from Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS). An invisible injury is especially hard to care for because it is not as obvious when and how someone is in pain. We understand the struggle and want you to know you are not alone. From advocating for your child to preparing for the impact PCS can have on the whole family, our resources below will support you through your caregiver journey. 

PCS patients who have supportive family and friends will almost always have a better recovery than those who don’t. Loved ones can make a world of difference in the way they help those suffering from PCS. In the video below, the Lovett and Bond families share what they learned about concussion advocacy through caring for their high school aged children suffering from PCS. CLF co-founder and medical director Dr. Robert Cantu also explains the valuable role family can play in a patient’s recovery.

Believe them. Living with a complex, invisible injury is difficult enough, but when you doubt your loved one’s symptoms or imply that they are making them up, it can be devastating. Don’t be one of those doubters. Giving your loved one unconditional validation and support can be more meaningful and beneficial to their recovery than you realize. Parents, you know your child better than anyone and you have an important role to play in advocating for them when they can’t do it for themselves. 

Watch this webinar hosted by CLF to hear four parents of children who suffered from PCS share strategies for how to:

• Help your child cope with the emotional element of the injury
• Be an advocate for your child at school, in sports and with doctors
• Prepare for the impact the injury can have on the whole family
• Build a support team, and realize you can't do it alone as a parent

Concussion recovery is not always linear, and no two concussion are the same. Without a set timeline for recovery, it can be hard to know if your loved one is making progress. It can be even more difficult when they seem to improve one day and then are worse the next. Try to be patient and know setbacks are normal. Our second panel of parents share in this video how they managed those setbacks, and they provide insight on topics like:

• Setting and sticking to a routine
• Providing support for fluctuating emotions and personality
• Treatment options

Depression and anxiety are common symptoms of concussion. While over 99% of people who have a concussion do not experience a suicide-related event, suicide risk does double after a concussion. If your loved one is struggling to cope and needs emotional support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or 1-800-273-8255 and you will be connected to a trained counselor. It’s free, confidential, and available to everyone in the United States. 

To learn how to best support your loved one who may be experiencing an emotional crisis, please watch this CLF webinar with mental health experts Dr. Ciara Dockery and Dr. David Reiss:

Caregiving can be both emotionally and physically draining. Don’t forget to take moments for yourself when you can. If you’re looking for support as a caregiver, we’d love to connect you with one of our peer support volunteers who has been in your shoes. Reach out to the CLF HelpLine to let us know you’re interested.